Non residents

Last updated date: 16.12.2014

Acquisition of Immovable Property

Acquisition by Individuals
Citizens of all European Union member states, including Maltese Citizens, who have resided in Malta continuously for a minimum period of five years at any time preceding the date of acquisition may freely acquire immovable property without the necessity of obtaining a permit under Chapter 246 of the Laws of Malta.

Citizens of all European Union member states, including Maltese Citizens, who have not resided continuously in Malta for a minimum period of five years may only purchase their primary residence or any immovable property required for their business activities or supply of services without the necessity of obtaining a permit under Chapter 246 of the Laws of Malta.

Citizens of all European Union member states, including Maltese Citizens, who have not resided continuously in Malta for a minimum period of five years, require a permit under Chapter 246 of the Laws of Malta to acquire immovable property for secondary residence purposes.
Individuals who are not citizens of a European Member state may not acquire any immovable property unless they are granted an acquisition permit (AIP) in terms of Chapter 246 of the Laws of Malta.

There are defined zones in Mata, referred to as special designated areas, where there are absolutely no restrictions to acquisition - the s-called Special Designated Areas. There is also no restriction on acquisition through inheritance and there are also several other special exemptions. Different rules apply to the acquisition by Companies and other legal persons (bodies of persons).

Acquisition by Companies and other Legal Persons:
A body of persons, other than a commercial partnership, established in and operating from an European Union member state may freely acquire immovable property that is required for the purpose for which it has been set up as long as it is directly controlled by citizens of a European Union member state who have resided in Malta continuously for five years.

A commercial partnership established in and operating from an European Union member state (therefore including Malta) may freely acquire immovable property that is required for the purpose for which it has been set up and at least 75% of its share capital is held by a person (or persons) who is a European Union Member state citizen.

Any other body of persons will require a permit (AIP) which is only granted if the property is required for an industrial or touristic project or as a contributor to the development of the economy of Malta.

When the prospective buyer identifies the immovable property to be purchased, he/she enters into a written agreement (promise of sale agreement), a copy of which must be attached to the AIP application form obtainable from the Capital Transfer Duty Department of the Inland Revenue Division or downloaded from the Ministry's website.

In accordance with a Quality Service Charter, the AIP Section is committed to issue the requested permit within 35 days subject to application submitted being correct. It is important to note that the AIP Permit does not include the Permanent Residence Permit, which may be applied for separately.

The minimum price is: €104,486.37 for the purchase of a flat or maisonette; €174,143 for the purchase of any other immovable property.
NB: minimum amounts are subject to periodical revision - Please consult the Notary for the most recent thresholds.

As a non-resident, you are allowed to purchase only one immovable property in Malta unless it is situated in a Special Designated Area e.g. Portomaso Development Complex, Tigne' Development, Cottonera Waterfront and Fort Chambray.

in relation to physical persons: any person not having a permanent residence in Malta, for 5 years prior to the date of the contract and;

in relation to legal persons: any company, firm, etc that is registered in or under the laws of a state other than Malta or another EU Member; or has its registered address or principal place of business in a state other than Malta or another EU Member State; or 25% or more of its capital is owned by a non-resident or it is in any manner and whether directly or indirectly controlled by one or more nonresident persons;